From Iran miner control to “OFAC compliant blocks,” a new attack vector has emerged.
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, NEAR.org and Genesis Trading.
Today on the Brief:
- Square puts up monster Q1 bitcoin numbers
- First crypto comments from new SEC Chair Gary Gensler
- 3 new institutional bitcoin developments
Our main discussion:
As bitcoin becomes more mainstream, the attempts from the powers that be to control it will become more subtle. This week, NLW argues we got a preview of a new approach to trying to exert that control. He argues there is a new attempt to Balkanize Bitcoin and looks at:
- Iran banning crypto that wasn’t mined in the country
- Marathon mining an “OFAC-compliant” block
- Kevin O’Leary insisting on only owning bitcoin not mined in China
See also: Iran’s Central Bank Reportedly Bans Trading of Crypto Mined Abroad
Image credit: Allexxandar/iStock/Getty Images Plus